I want to call …

For a few years following my injuries, I had surgery every year or two to improve the function of my legs. Each surgery was a success and that’s why I can run/bike/hike again.

I also sought the opinion of a few local surgeons about improving the appearance of my deformed leg. They all gave me a similar answer, something like … if they had to operate to improve function, they would. But despite its appearance, my leg functions amazingly well and it would be too risky to operate on it just for cosmetic reasons. (though it couldn’t be called an unnecessary cosmetic surgery)

To make sure I had explored all my options, I drove over three hours for a consultation with one of the top reconstructive plastic surgeons in the country. I knew he wasn’t God, but I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life pursuing doctor’s opinions, so before I went I decided I would accept his answer.

He was impressed with how well my leg functions. But his opinion about a surgery to improve its appearance was the same as the other surgeons. My leg was so compromised from all the injuries that a cosmetic surgery would be too risky. He explained how high the chances would be of losing my lower leg due to a blood clot, infection, etc.

I was disappointed, but accepted his answer. If surgery was so risky, I didn’t want to have it. I had gone through too much to risk losing my leg. Living with a funky, but functioning leg, would be easier than adjusting to a prosthesis. Somehow I would learn to do life with the appearance of my leg.

And most of the time I have.

I try to live every day fully alive … sharing hope through living, loving and laughing.

But that surgeon was a nice guy and he wanted to help me, so he gave me the name and number of surgeon that he thought would operate on me. At that time (about four years ago) I threw away that contact info, because I had decided I wouldn’t have a surgery that risky.

Today … I want to find that surgeon’s name and number.

I want to call him.

I’m tired of wearing long pants and long skirts the majority of the time.

I’m tired of inquiring glances when I wear shorts to run/hike/bike, etc.

I hope the desire to make that call fades ….